Carbon storage
Waterlogged peatlands store carbon. Drainage and extraction expose peat to conditions that can release it.
COIROLOGY · PRACTICAL GROWING GUIDANCE
Growing Peat-Free
Understand the alternatives. Find the right mix. Grow with confidence.
Explore peat-free materials, compare water and air properties, and choose a mix for your plants. Adapt watering and nutrition to your growing system.
Peatland protectionMaterial choicesGrowing guidance
WHY PEAT-FREE?
Understanding peat. Protecting peatlands.
Peat forms as plant material accumulates slowly in waterlogged conditions. It has long been used in horticulture for its useful growing properties. Draining and extracting it changes these ecosystems. Choosing suitable peat-free media helps reduce demand for horticultural peat.
Living habitats
Peatlands support distinctive communities of plants and wildlife adapted to wet conditions.
Water systems
Healthy peatlands influence how water moves through a landscape and can support water quality.
Different materials. Different roles.
No single ingredient tells the whole story. Particle size, processing and the proportions in a blend all influence its behaviour.
Coir
Moisture and structure. Check processing, particle grade and the nutrient programme.
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Coco peat, fibre and chips have different physical characteristics. Choose a specified horticultural grade appropriate to your crop and container.
Wood fibre
Air and structure. Review watering and nutrient management.
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Wood fibre properties depend on its source and processing. Blends may require adjusted nutrition and irrigation rather than the same routine used for a peat-based product.
Composted bark
Structure and drainage. Check particle grade and maturity.
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The species, composting process and size distribution affect performance. Fine and coarse bark grades serve different purposes in a blend.
Green compost
Organic matter and nutrients. Check maturity, consistency and specification.
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Use material suitable for growing-media manufacture. Its nutrient and salt contribution needs to be considered in the finished mix; it is not interchangeable with a complete potting compost.
Perlite
Aeration and drainage. Select a suitable particle grade and proportion.
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An expanded mineral ingredient used to modify physical structure. Its contribution depends on the other components and the container.
Vermiculite
Moisture retention. Match the grade and proportion to the application.
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Often used in propagation and blended growing media. It serves a different role from perlite; the two are not automatic substitutes.
Other materials worth knowing
Rice hulls, leaf mould, biochar and other amendments
These can contribute useful properties in suitable formulations, but their role depends on preparation, quality and proportion. Leaf mould is not a complete nutrient source. Biochar varies with feedstock and processing. Seaweed products are generally considered as amendments or nutrient inputs rather than direct substitutes for the bulk growing medium.
What makes a growing medium work?
Choose a finished formulation around the plant, container and growing conditions—not an ingredient name alone.
Water retention
Water held in a substrate is not all equally available to roots. Irrigation must suit the mix and crop.
Aeration
Air-filled pores allow oxygen to reach roots. Compaction and saturation reduce that space.
Drainage
Excess water needs a route out. Both the substrate and container drainage matter.
pH
Acidity or alkalinity affects nutrient availability. Select a formulation suitable for the crop.
EC
Electrical conductivity indicates soluble salts. Interpret it using the test method and crop context.
Nutrition
Check whether fertiliser is included, how long it is intended to last, and the follow-on feeding guidance.
Where coir fits.
Coir is derived from coconut husks and can be used alone with appropriate crop management or as a component of a formulated growing medium.
Particle structure
Coco peat, fibre and chips contribute differently to moisture, air space and structure.
Processing and specification
Washing helps reduce soluble salts. Buffering conditions exchange sites; it is a separate process.
Feeding and irrigation
Unamended coir is not a complete fertiliser. Check the product’s nutrient programme and preparation guidance.
Choose for what you grow.
Use the product’s stated application as your starting point. Specialist plants may need specialist formulations.
Seeds & cuttings
Look for an appropriate fine structure, suitable nutrient level and consistent moisture.
Container plants
Match drainage, moisture retention and structural longevity to the pot and planting duration.
Houseplants
Consider the species, indoor light and watering routine. One mix will not suit every plant.
Fruit & vegetables
Match the crop’s rooting pattern and nutrition needs to the container and irrigation system.
Commercial crops
Specify physical and chemical characteristics, then evaluate under your own growing conditions.
Make the switch with confidence.
A few deliberate adjustments are more useful than simply replacing one bag with another.
01 · Choose your mix
Check intended use and preparation instructions. Hydrate compressed products as directed and avoid unnecessary compaction.
02 · Check moisture
Check beneath the surface and assess pot weight. A dry-looking surface does not always mean the root zone needs water.
03 · Plan nutrition
Check whether feed is included. Follow product guidance and adjust to crop stage and growing conditions.
04 · Observe and adjust
Start with a manageable trial. Record watering, establishment and growth, then refine before scaling up.
What to check before you buy
Suitable use
Crop, growth stage and container.
Ingredients
Particle structure and consistency.
Added nutrients
Included feed and ongoing requirements.
Preparation
Hydration, storage and watering guidance.
Specification
Relevant product data and technical support.
Support for every growing scale.
Growing at home?
Choose a suitable product and follow its preparation and feeding instructions.
Explore peat-free products →
Growing commercially?
Discuss your crop, water quality, irrigation and production system with our team.
Discuss a substrate trial →Your peat-free questions, answered.
Is peat-free the same as peat-reduced?
No. Peat-reduced products can still contain peat. Look for an explicit peat-free declaration and check the product information.
Does coir need added nutrients?
Unamended coir does not provide a complete plant nutrition programme. Some formulated coir products include fertiliser; others require feeding from the start. Follow the specific product guidance.
Can I use one mix for every plant?
Different plants, growth stages and containers have different needs. Use a product intended for your application and seek advice for specialist crops.
How should I store growing media?
Follow the packaging instructions. Keep it protected from contamination and unsuitable weather, and use it within the manufacturer’s recommended period.
Is coir always the most sustainable option?
No single material is automatically best in every situation. Sourcing, processing, water management, transport and performance in use all matter. Ask suppliers for evidence behind environmental claims.
Where can I find guidance and peat-policy information?
For practical advice, see the RHS peat-free growing guidance and RHS growing-media guide. Peat policy differs by jurisdiction; consult official government information for England and Wales and the relevant devolved administration. Historic policy announcements should not be read as confirmation of legislation currently in force.
Your next step towards peat-free growing.
Explore our substrates or talk to the team about your growing needs.